Maria Sharapova-On Top Of The World

[BeyondFedUp]

Two years is over the top harsh. If it had been the Linebacker receiving let's say, a two month ban, forcing her to miss one or two Majors this time of year (French and/or Wimbledon) the shrieks and cries of racism from Sharpton, Jackson, and even the Imposter in Chief himself would flood the airwaves 24/7...

 

[Quiet Speed]

The International Tennis Federation effectively ended Maria's career, suspending her for two years for taking meldonium, which had been banned in January. I don't know anything about meldonium, but Maria was taking it for medical conditions and claims not to know it had been banned.

Regardless of whether she knew it had been banned or not, two years seems very harsh. She's made a fortune on and off the court, but didn't deserve to have her career ended this way. Meanwhile, we're supposed to believe the Hulking Linebacker is completely natural and above suspicion.

Something's rotten Denmark. The ruling declared that she did not intentionally take the medication to break the rules. Yet she gets two years. She's going to appeal the ruling. A couple of times the the appeal body has reduced suspensions for tennis players. May be the tribunal jacked up the suspension knowing this is the case. Anyway I don't trust these people (ITF). With the the way world politics are, anti-Russian politics may have crept into the decision. Then there is Max Eisenbud, her manager, who oversees the updated list of prohibited substances.

 

[Matra2]

I don't think this should end her career. Other than Muguruza no one seems to be coming though the ranks in the women's game. Two years from now Maria will be 31 - not that old these days for a tennis player - and Serena will be 37 and possibly retired. Maria can save her body in the mean time, return in two years (she'll keep practicing I'm sure) and be back up to the level of the others after a few months on the tour.